Toolkit for School Travel - National Transport Authority

Toolkit for School Travel
Work Undertaken:
The school was very committed to pursuing the
Travel flag from inception even though they
had good levels of walking to begin with. The
following summarises the work undertaken
over a two year period:
• The school undertook regular travel surveys to
determine modal shift.
• The Action Plan is posted on the Green-Schools
notice board and is regularly kept up to date.
• The school holds regular WOW (Walk on
Wednesday) days every week and experiences an
average participation rate of 89%.
• The school launched their first COW (Cycle on
Wednesday) day as part of National Bike Week
2010 where an amazing 10% of students cycled to
school. Now COW days are a regular event.
• There are three Park ‘n’ Stride locations used
every WOW day with Walk Leaders from 5th
class, teachers and parents leading the walk to
school with signs.
• The school undertook a Buddy Walk whereby
older students ‘buddied’ up with younger
students and went on a fun walk and picnic
to the local park.
• They held a Slogan competition and the winning
slogans were:
• ‘Be Cool, Don't be a fool, Walk to school’
• ‘Don't drive so our planet can survive’
• ‘Give a smile and Walk a mile’
• ‘Ditch the car, school is not far’
• ‘Walk with me, Keep the Earth lead free’
• ‘Let the beat, Move your feet’
• An Taisce Green-Schools Travel Education Officer
delivered workshops and activities including
attending committee meetings.
• The school raises awareness of walking by
using the Golden Boot Award and Green Tree
to maintain enthusiasm for travelling to school
in a sustainable manner.
• The school links the Travel theme with curriculum
work and projects e.g. climate change, which
were on display in school. Each class has
completed a project on the theme of Green-
Schools Travel.
• Newsletters are sent home to parents
throughout the programme to raise awareness
and keep them informed of action days and they
use the Text a Parent Service which informs
parents of special events.
• Healthy Eating Policy and 5 minute Fruit Break
encourages healthy living in conjunction with
being more active on the way to school i.e.
walking or cycling.
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An Taisce
The National Trust for Ireland
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